In the least surprising news of the day, the Pistons will likely be without Chauncey Billups tonight against the 76ers. Of course, he's still technically a game-time decision, but I can't imagine why they'd risk anything by bringing him back with not only the playoffs of the horizon but also a two-game trip through Texas (Houston and San Antonio) in a couple of days.
I wouldn't have been so nonchalant about the move just a week ago, but after seeing what Flip Murray did in starter's minutes the last two games (he's averaged 21.5 points, four assists, five steals and two turnovers a game), I'm tentatively not worried -- at least against the Sixers at the Palace. I'm not saying Flip is the guy that can lead Detroit through Texas ... just that he's not actually being asked to "lead" anymore -- he just needs to get Chris Webber the ball and cut to the basket.
In other news, Flip Saunders is now concerned about Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton's minutes. From the Detroit News:
"We want to cut their minutes, but we only have so many smalls available," Saunders said.
With Billups and Lindsey Hunter (suspension) out, the Pistons have only two reserve backcourt players available -- Carlos Delfino and rookie Will Blalock , who has not played in an NBA game since Jan. 12.
Ronald Dupree , who could help at shooting guard and small forward, might be activated tonight.
Activating Blalock and Dupree? What a novel idea.
It's a quiet day out there in terms of Pistons news, so feel free to get off-topic and talk amongst yourselves in the comments.
I'll get you started: Can Rasheed Wallace avoid getting a tech (and the ensuing suspension) before the Pistons get out of Texas? Is Acie Law IV the Pistons' point guard of the future? Why were there elephants marching outside Ian's office yesterday? For that matter, whatever happened to that Ian guy anyways?